Turnovers Help Northwestern Cruise Over Maryland

© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten Conference) came into SECU Stadium and stole a victory over the Maryland Terrapins (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) 37-10 on Oct. 11 in College Park, Md. Northwestern controlled the game from the beginning and never let go of its lead. The Wildcats capitalized on four Terrapins turnovers that turned into a Northwestern scoring frenzy. Maryland could not get anything going in the game and Northwestern put the pedal to the metal the entire game.

Game Summary

Both Northwestern and Maryland each went three-and-out to start the game. On Northwestern's second possession, in seven plays, Jack Lausch ran the ball for a 9-yard rushing TD to give Northwestern an early 7-0 lead. After scoring, Northwestern's defense held strong and forced Maryland to punt the ball on an 11-play drive where they only threw the ball twice for a total of 18 yards.

After Maryland punted the ball, Northwestern scored again, making their lead 14-0. During this drive, the Wildcats had two plays over 25 yards. The first was a pass from Lausch to Bryce Kirtz for 28 yards. The second was a 40 yard pass to Kirtz, putting Northwestern in the red zone. Two plays later, they capitalized on a Cam Porter 3-yard rushing touchdown.

Things got worse for the Terrapins as they fumbled the kickoff and gave the ball right back to the Wildcats with great starting field position at the Maryland 25-yard line. The Wildcats managed to get a field goal on this drive, making their lead now 17-0.

On the following possession, Maryland used a 16-play, 90-yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard Billy Edwards Jr. rushing touchdown, getting Maryland on the board 17-7. The next two possessions for Northwestern were punts and for Maryland, it had a chance to make Northwestern's lead drop to seven. Jack Howes missed a 54-yard field goal, sending the game into halftime.

Northwestern Extends Lead

Maryland started the second half with the ball. After they turned the ball over on downs, Northwestern had a three-and-out and punted the ball. Maryland's very next possession was another long drive. An 18-play, 86-yard drive resulted in a 31-yard field goal, cutting Northwestern's lead to 17-10. After Northwestern had another three-and-out, the turnovers started for Maryland. It took only two plays for Maryland to give Northwestern a larger lead after Billy Edwards Jr. fumbled the ball. Northwestern's defense recovered and returned the ball for a touchdown. Northwestern leads 24-10.

Maryland had another possession result in a turnover on downs. The next play, Northwestern's Lausch connected with Kirtz for a 55-yard play, putting them on Maryland's 26-yard line. This huge play helped Northwestern add three more points to their lead, 27-10.

The football just seemed to be in Northwestern's possession for the majority of the game. After the field goal by Northwestern, on first down, Maryland's Edwards Jr. found Preston Howard for 8 yards. But Howard fumbled the ball, recovered by Northwestern. The following possession for Northwestern resulted in a field goal, extending their lead to 30-10.

Maryland had another short possession as Edwards. Jr threw an interception. Three plays later, Jake Arthurs scored on a 9-yard touchdown. Maryland's final possession ended in a turnover on downs.

Turning Point

Northwestern capitalized on Maryland's turnovers in the second half. Maryland had three possessions of two plays or less due to fumbles or interceptions. Maryland's sloppiness in the second half helped Northwestern continue to build its momentum, giving Maryland very little chance to get any sense of hope in coming back.

Upcoming Schedule

Northwestern's next game is Oct. 19 at noon EST against the Wisconsin Badgers. If Northwestern can turn their opponents' turnovers into points, they could have a two-game win streak and be 4-3. For Maryland, they have their Homecoming game at 4 p.m EST against the University of Southern California Trojans. Maryland will need to step up to the plate if it wants a shot at competing with the Trojans.